Renowned as "The Future," DJ Fade is an internationally acclaimed DJ with the remarkable ability to keep any crowd grooving through his extensive music collection. As the resident DJ at NYC's upscale Pergola, he's become a premier entertainer, curating soundtracks for high-profile private and corporate events, earning favor with celebrity clients.
Yet, DJ Fade's influence extends far beyond his residency and glamorous gigs. A trailblazer in NJ Club music, he's left an indelible mark on the genre's cultural landscape. Since the early 2000s, his productions have graced the airwaves, internationally featured alongside A-list artists like Rihanna, Swizz Beatz, and Future. DJ Fade's global impact is further solidified by historic performances, such as DJ'ing in The Al-Ula skate ring in Saudi Arabia. Now, he keenly observes and contributes to the evolving music scene in Saudi and the Middle East, aiming to forge connections between the US and the region through the universal language of music.
-What was your first interaction with the turntable?
Age 9. My mother took me to a place called “Empire Skating Rink” which was a legendary Rink in Brooklyn NY at the time. She knew the resident Dj (Dj Big Bob) and introduced me to him. He was the first to encourage me to scratch the vinyl records. I was scared. I was in front of a crowd, but I found the courage to take the tables. I saw the crowd’s reaction and knew instantly that’s what I wanted to do. Dj’ing at a skating rink in Saudi Arabia was definitely a full circle DejaVu moment for me.
-Which of the events that you djed at is your favorite so far and why?
The Caption Morgan and Vita Coco launch in New York. It was Caribbean-themed. As a proud Jamaican, dancehall, reggae and Soca has a special meaning to me. I went to dance with the crowd as I was Dj'n. One of my talents is being multifaceted and always being prepared to assimilate to the atmosphere and crowd.
-When did you first come across NJ club music and what made you want to help push this genre forward?
Club music has such a deep background. I encourage everyone to research the origins of its unique sound. “Brick City club music” is what it was called back in 8th grade at my school dance. Remixes done by DJ Tameil, DJ Tim Dolla (RIP) and other Brick Bandits from Baltimore/Philly Club were played that night. I’ll never forget it. Of all genres played, there was absolutely no comparison to the club music on the Dancefloor.
With the genre growing fast in the tristate area, there was a huge demand of the “call to action” style of club music. These were club songs that actually told you what to do. The street team teen parties had everyone performing the dances. I produced a song called “Tip Toe/Sexy walk” which became one of the biggest club songs to date from that era. You can find some of the music videos and parties on YouTube under Wiztv channel. I currently own a company called “A Jersey Club Party”. It focuses primarily on global club music with an emphasis in dancing nonstop all night!
What made me want to push this genre was simply out of pure love. I paid to get in all the parties. I spent endless hours alone producing in my room creating what I loved with no money. We were just teenagers tapping into what we loved to do. Unfortunately, many of our older peers didn’t encourage us because it wasn’t a mainstream sound. I always want to encourage people to create what sounds good to them and not worry about what other people say.
-You reached the point where you were able to quit your job and do what you love full time, what advice do you have for other creatives looking to make a full time living off their passion?
Being able to wake up and do what I love is a luxury. I feel truly blessed. I believe if you are consistent in perfecting your craft and studying your industry, you can achieve anything from your passion. I spend hours reading, watching interviews and having deep conversations with likeminded individuals in my field.
-What were your thoughts about Saudi Arabia before visiting, and how did they change after you visited and performed in the kingdom?
I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I approached Saudi with an open mind. I wanted to be a sponge. A few things surprised me, especially seeing the impact of hip-hop. Shaolindaillest and Ntitled were telling me how much Tupac and 50 cents are loved in the region. They said people who don’t speak a word of English speak “Tupac”, meaning singing every word. It speaks to the power of music, and it inspired me.
I created a beat sampling a live Saudi performance while flying to Alula with MusicmanTy. The Saudi influence had settled in me thousands of miles in the air. It was refreshing and renewing.
DJs in the US aren’t sampling much music from the Middle East. I have a residency at the most famous Mediterranean venue in New York City. It has allowed me to connect with some of the biggest artists from the Middle East. I’m also working on Trance concepts with Amakadsi from Lebanon. When we release these, it’s going to be monumental.
-Where do you see Saudi Arabia’s entertainment industry going in the next 10 years and do you see yourself being a part of it?
Since leaving Saudi, I have been paying attention via social media daily. Artists and producers send me music which I play at events. The crowds are in tune with what I’m doing, and it positively helps me push the culture forward here.
The power move right now will be historic for Saudi’s entertainment industry. Kanye is there working on his next album. My manager TK is bringing the Saudi hip-hop scene to a global scale. Commercial hip-hop is due for a change in sonics and we believe it’s in the Middle East.
-Who are 5 people you aspire to collaborate with?
5 people that I will be collaborating with are Kanye West, Beyoncé, The Dream, Pharrell and Dr Dre.
-Is there anything exciting you're working on that you'd like to tell us about?
Some of my projects can’t be discussed. But I will say I’m excited for the global reach my team and I have acquired. We will make sure people hear the talent that lives in the Middle East!!!
-From the beginning of your journey until today, what are the 3 most important things you’ve learned?
Learn when to fall back. Everyone doesn’t have the same intentions as you and most people don’t even see your value until everyone else around them does.
Sometimes we don’t get what we want when we want it, learn how to trust the process and stay on YOUR path.
When you win, they have no choice but to respect you.
Check out Dj Fade's work at: djfadethefuture | Instagram | Linktree
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